Paris 2012: Maserati Unveils Sportier 2013 GranCabrio MC

Maserati, like many other low-production sports car makers, have figured out a way to spin out as many variants of its same models over the years. Last year, the company launched the sportier MC Stradale to its GranTurismo coupe line. Predictably, it’s now launching the drop-top version, known as the GranCabrio MC.

The Italian automaker has yet to reveal much detail about the new GranCabrio MC, but expect to see most of its content copied over from the coupe. Compared with the base GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport, the MC is 1.9 inches longer and wears the more-aggressive front and rear fascias and more prominent rear spoiler from the GranTurismo MC.

Maserati has yet to detail any of the powertrain upgrades for the GranCabrio MC, but the coupe version gains an extra 11 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque from the 4.7-liter Ferrari-derived V-8 engine for a total of 444 hp and 376 lb-ft. European models will likely utilize a nifty six-speed sequential manual gearbox, but if the car is exported to North America, expect it to adopt a more conventional six-speed automatic – much like the U.S.-spec GranTurismo MC.

Presently there’s no word yet if the GranCabrio MC will make its way stateside, though we think it’s a virtual no-brainer for Maserati’s lineup. In the meantime, European customers can check out the new GranCabrio MC on Maserati's stand at the Paris Motor Show, which opens its doors later this week.